SINGAPORE – Two men are set to be charged in court on August 28 for allegedly drink driving and falling asleep behind the wheel, leaving their cars stationary on public roads and endangering other road users. They are part of a larger group of 17 motorists facing drink-driving charges on the same day, the police confirmed on August 27.
The two men, aged 30 and 35, reportedly fell asleep in their vehicles at Rangoon Road and Tampines Avenue 5 respectively. Both face an additional charge for leaving their cars in a position that caused “undue inconvenience” to other road users. Police described their actions as obstructive and potentially hazardous.
Drink Driving Penalties in Singapore
Under Singapore law, motorists convicted of drink driving can face fines ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined between S$5,000 and S$20,000, jailed for up to two years, and could also face a driving disqualification for all vehicle classes.
For leaving a vehicle in a position causing undue inconvenience, offenders can be fined up to S$2,000 or jailed for up to three months. Second or subsequent convictions carry penalties of up to S$5,000 and six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Drink Driving Remains a Persistent Problem
Police emphasised that driving under the influence is “an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act” and reiterated that strict enforcement will continue.
Statistics show that 1,778 drink-driving arrests were made in Singapore in 2024, representing a 6.9% increase from 2023. While the total number of accidents linked to drink driving fell from 180 to 166, fatalities rose slightly from 11 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by impaired drivers.
The cases of these two men serve as a reminder of the dangers of drink driving, not only to the offenders themselves but also to the wider public who share the roads.
Image Source: Singapore Police Force